Families in Howick and Très-Saint-Sacrement braved the cold and lined the streets on December 10 for the 15th edition of the Howick Santa Claus Parade and the chance to catch a glimpse of the jolly old elf. The parade featured several festively adorned floats created by area organizations, schools, and businesses; several whimsically decorated tractors; and numerous fire trucks from departments as far away as Kahnawake and Sainte-Barbe. “It has really become a regional parade,” says co-organizer Ashley Arthur. “It just seems to keep growing,” she adds, noting there is always a good turnout. Huntingdon MNA Carole Mallette walked the length of the parade route handing out candy canes to enthusiastic youngsters. “We had 450 candy canes to give to kids. We ran out!” she exclaimed in a Facebook post following the event, where she praised the community for coming together for such a special event. Members of the Howick Beaver and Cub Scout groups as well as the Girl Guides collected non-perishable food items to be donated to the Howick and Très-Saint-Sacrement Christmas baskets. “We know there is a need again this year,” says Arthur of the food drive.
